25 An Ancient Bloodline (1/2)

Jack and Rydel traversed the streets and the rumors of last night's incident were still prevalent and kept anyone from troubling them. But for some reason, everyone was silent wherever they passed, and the gazes of the crowd didn't show fear. Jack had a weird feeling, but he had no clue what had gotten into the people to change their attitudes so quickly.

”Remember, let's hurry and get the registration over with so we can look for those clerics, Drad and Slivia,” reminded Rydel, causing Jack to refocus and pick up the pace. ”I think I know the Balt Guildhall. If it's by the Boar's Inn like Vaul said, then there's only one building it could be.”

Jack nodded and agreed. ”You're talking about that big building that seemed out of place, right?”

”That's the one. We passed it after we entered the village, so I'm pretty sure that's the place. My question is, how are you going to pay for this kid?” asked Rydel.

”Umm, that's a good question,” said Jack, scratching the back of his head in nervousness. ”It couldn't be over six gold, right?”

”Who knows now, thanks to that idiot prince. I think you could've been fine if it were the Royal Court's price but based on what Vaul said I can't say for certain.”

Jack pondered for a moment before he asked, ”Hey captain, you wouldn't be able to spot me some coin just in case, would you? It's only if I don't have enough and there's no other choice.”

”Nope, you can forget it,” answered Rydel. ”I've lent money far too often for you to ask.”

”Come on captain, it's for the better good. With Bowser in the party, we'll gain more EXP and an even better bait. If anything, you'd just be investing now to get a better return while we're in the mine,” persuaded Jack.

”Nice try, but no.” Rydel sped up and left Jack behind him, who was trying his best to keep up.

It was already past midday and the streets were filled with merchants and customers alike. The duo from the association hurried and disregarded every booth; normally Jack would be very interested, but he knew that he had no money to spare now that he had to register Bowser at the Balt Guildhall.

Eventually, they passed the Boar's Inn and noticed the large building further up the street. It looked like a big barn had been turned into a fortress, giving off a sense of practicality, very much unlike the Royal Court office.

”After you kid,” said Rydel. He was an experienced adventurer, but Rydel understood that Jack was far more cunning with his words. Jack was always finding ways to get the best deals while at the same time form steady relationships.

Jack stepped forward and pushed the large door open. The interior was the same dark green color as the outside, and it maintained that practical sense throughout the entire hall. There weren't too many people, but a few had come thanks to the surprise screening of the royal office.

”I thought you'd come!” a voice yelled from the other side of the room.

The hunter duo was startled to see a somewhat familiar face. It was a man that had signed the royal office waiting list just after them. They only recognized him thanks to the dark green scarf around the man's neck, which was conveniently the same color as the wall.

”The name's Jard Balt,” the man quickly walked over to introduce himself. ”You two are the adventurers who stood up to the crown prince, correct?”

”Yeah…” stated Jack quietly, recognizing Jard's last name and his clear connection to the Balt Guild.

”Great!” Jard yelled, surprising everyone in the guildhall. ”For you guys, we'll handle whatever you need free of charge.”

”Free? Are you sure? We need a bloodline test for that little guy,” stammered Rydel.

Jard peeked at the lazy Bowser on Jack's shoulder and grunted, ”Hmm, if that's what you need, then I'm not sure if we can shoulder the cost. Your antics caused the surprise screening, which caused a boom in business for us since our greatest competitor suddenly shut its doors. Anything else we can handle, but we can only offer a 50% discount on a bloodline test. Is that ok?”

”Of course!” answered Jack. ”Can you take us back right now? We've got some other matters to handle and can't take too much time.”

”Great, just follow me,” said Jard with an appreciative smile as he led the two away from the lobby.

”Hey Jard, what were you planning on doing at the royal office?” asked Jack.